The Bayer School Scholars Program

What the Bayer School Scholars Program Provides for Its Scholars

The Bayer School Scholars Program is a cooperative program among Duquesne University, the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, the Citizen Science Lab, and local industries for incoming freshman who are from an under-represented population in the sciences. (See "Admissions Requirements for Bayer School Scholar Applicants" below.)

Benefits of this program can include participating in funded summer research experiences at Duquesne University, the Citizens Science lab, and/or local industry. Selection of your research experiences is flexible and can include participating in the Bayer School's Summer Undergraduate Research Program, a paid summer internship at the Citizen Science Lab, a second paid summer internship that is tailored to the student's area of interest. While holding these positions, you are mentored by Duquesne science faculty, Citizen Science Lab scientists and/or local industry science professionals. As a Bayer School Scholar, you also receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years of undergraduate study while pursuing a degree in one of the majors offered by the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. Each of the following Departments or Programs will be admitting one Bayer School Scholar in fall 2018: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Environmental Science (through the Center for Environmental Research and Education (CERE)), and Forensic Science and Law.

Here are some links related to the summer research opportunities related to the Bayer School Scholars Program.

How the Bayer School Scholars Program Works

You apply for admission to Duquesne University in one of the eligible Bayer School Scholars majors and you also apply separately to be a Bayer School Scholar.

You are admitted to Duquesne and into the Bayer School and you are one of the students selected as a Bayer School Scholar.

You receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years of undergraduate study.

Summer 1 (after your freshman year) you participate in the 10-week Undergraduate Research Program wherein you receive a salary of $4,300 (2017 rate) to work on research in a Bayer School research lab, participate in a scientific ethics forum, participate in organized community service projects, and attend and present at an Undergraduate Research Symposium. During this 10-week period, you live in the Duquesne University dorms free of charge.

Summer 2 (after your sophomore year) you will have the option to complete a projected 10-week internship working on research and community outreach 28-hours per week at the Citizen Science Lab, or to once again participate in the10-week Undergraduate Research Program. There is also the option to complete a summer internship with a local industry or organization if a suitable position is available. You receive a salary that totals $5000 and again will participate in the scientific ethics forum, organized community service projects, and you attend and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. During this 10-week period, you live in the Duquesne University dorm free of charge. The Citizen Science Lab is a ten-minute walk from the Duquesne campus. Transportation to and from internship placements is not provided.

Summer 3 (after your junior year) you have options for another projected 10-week internship that is tailored towards your area of interests and future goals. The internship can be completed at a local industry or organization, again at the Citizen Science Lab, or in one of the research labs on the Duquesne campus. You receive a salary that totals $5000 and you will participate in the scientific ethics forum, organized community service projects, and you will attend and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. During this 10-week period, you live in the Duquesne University dorm free of charge. Transportation to and from internship placements is not provided.

You graduate from the program after your fourth year.

Information and Schedule for the Selection of the Bayer School Scholar Recipients

Your application must be completed with all required accompanying information attached no later than the January 5, 2018 deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

The Scholarship Committee will meet in early February to review scholarship applications and select finalists who will be further considered for the scholarship.

Finalists will be selected for phone or in-person interviews at Science Preview Day 2018.

Applicants selected to be a Bayer School Scholar are contacted by the end of February to be notified of the award.

The Scholarship offer needs to be accepted in early April. The exact date will be set each year.

Admissions Requirements for Bayer School Scholar Applicants

Applicants must be African American, Hispanics or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, or female, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and entering a degree program offered in the Bayer School as a freshman student. Admission to this program is competitive and will be awarded to freshman based on academic record, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation (2) and a one-page typed essay addressing how their application would contribute to the diversity of the Duquesne University community and to the field of STEM. Letters of recommendation can be emailed to Dr. Phillip Palmer at palmerp1@duq.edu. Letters may also be mailed directly to our office: Duquesne University, 100 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, ATTN: BAYER SCHOOL SCHOLARS PROGRAM.

For additional information about the Bayer School Scholars Program, please contact either Dr. Phillip Palmer, Assistant Dean, at 412-396-4793 or palmerp1@duq.edu or Mr. Philip Clarke, Director of Student Services, at 412-396-4172 or clarkep1736@duq.edu.

The application deadline is January 5, 2018. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.